Identifier

Author

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

One in three middle and high school students are victims of bullying (National Educational Association, 2012). The prevalence of bullying has increased over the past 10 years by approximately 25% (Nation Center of Education Statistics, 2013) and is now considered a public health concern. Published measures of bullying lack breadth and/or psychometric support. The present study created a psychometrically sound measure assessing bully victimization in adolescents. This measure examines three dimensions of bullying: direct, indirect, and evaluative. Items were generated based on information collected from student focus groups, as well as previously published measures and themes within recently published literature. Items were reviewed for inclusion and clarity. The measure was administered to children/adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 within the public and private school system. This study resulted in a psychometrically sound, valid measure of bully victimization for use with adolescents. This measure includes three subscales (indirect, direct, and evaluative) and one composite score. These dimensions are positively correlated with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.